Resource Industry: Schools

Career Tips for School OTs: How to Build a Relationship Built on Trust

Occupational therapists who are based in schools have some unique challenges to overcome when working with new students. It can sometimes be difficult to gain the trust of children who aren’t familiar with you, and until you do, they may not see the results that you are hoping to achieve. With a little work, you can overcome trust issues and break down barriers that are preventing positive performance and progress.

Here are four essential ways school-based occupational therapists can build trust with their students to foster a healthy relationship built on respect and appreciation:

1. Give Choices

Allow students some say in their therapy tasks. Each child learns differently, and letting them choose which tasks to work on when possible tells them that their thoughts and feelings are important to you. If there are things that aren’t negotiable, perhaps you can offer them a choice about when to do less appealing activities. When they feel as if they have some control and are being considered in their therapy, it will be easier for them to trust and follow your direction.

2. Show Kindness

Though this may seem overly simplistic, a little kindness does go a long way. It can be easy to be curt with a student on a stressful day or in a moment of frustration. However, the students who can be the most challenging and frustrating are often those who need the most kindness. While you certainly should maintain your authority with your therapy students, allowing them a bit of extra kindness and grace can help you to gain their trust.

3. Find Common Ground

When kids feel like they have a connection to educators, they’re more likely to respond positively. Get to know your students and their likes and dislikes. As you aren’t in the classroom with them as much as some of their teachers, you will have to go out of your way to ask them questions and dedicate time to getting to know them personally. Latch on to interests and activities that you have in common and incorporate these things into your therapy techniques. For instance, a child who loves dogs and is working on fine motor skills might enjoy tracing a picture of a dog rather than basic shapes.

4. Keep Your Promises

It can be tempting to make promises to get children to perform, and often, you won’t even realize that you have offered them an incentive. Empty promises are one of the fastest ways to lose the trust of a child. If you are offering a reward or incentive for a task or achievement, make sure that you have the means to follow through. If it is something that you must delay, explain why and schedule a time to make it happen.

It is important to remember that every child is unique, and there may be a bit of trial and error involved to gain their trust. Partner with parents and teachers to find out more about your student’s personality and use that information to build rapport. Once you have overcome the obstacle of developing the trust of your student, you will be able to help them more effectively and get the results they are capable of achieving.

 Explore More Career Resources & Opportunities for School OTs

Occupational Therapy is a thriving field – why not test your sense of adventure and consider a new position? We have opportunities in schools that might just be your next dream job. Looking for more helpful resources for school OTs? Soliant has a handful of articles available here, including advice and insights on new therapy tools and useful online resources.

Free Career Resources Every School Nurse Should Know About

School nurses have one of the most important roles in the lives of children. Often, they are the first to recognize symptoms or issues when it comes to the health and well-being of their students. They must play clinician, counselor, and care provider to dozens upon dozens of young people in just a few short hours a day. Finding great online resources to help them do their job well is important, so we have compiled just a few great places that can help any school nurse to find great information, current trends, and resources for use within their school.

1. National Organization of School Nurses

NASN.org is a wonderful membership organization that has plenty of great tools and resources for school nurses across the country. There are both free and paid access materials on their website, offering news, information, and useful items to both members and non-members. Their Back-to-School Interactive Toolkit has checklists, planning information, and much more.

2. Guide to Safe Schools

Developed by several government agencies, the Guide to Safe Schools contains information about policies and practices that can be used by those in an educational setting, including school nurses. Topics addressed include identifying troubled children, emergency and crisis response, early warning signs, and much more.

3. Teachers Pay Teachers

While this is a staple resource for many educators in the classroom, Teachers Pay Teachers has fun and useful resources for school nurses and health providers, as well. The items on this site are designed by teachers who have worked to develop tools that they need to make their jobs a little easier. Plus, you have the bonus of supporting other educators.

4. SchoolHealth

SchoolHealth.com offers equipment and supplies for school nurses to purchase, along with a wide range of resources. They have a number of webinars available on topics ranging from special needs to sports medicine, health services, and more. There are also podcasts, blog articles, and other useful resources to help school nurses stay on top of the latest trends and information.

5. SchoolNurse.com

The research library at SchoolNurse.com has great information on dozens of topics that are relevant to those in a school-based healthcare setting. There are also regulatory and legal guides and resources that may be of interest to school nurses and administration.

6. Joslin Diabetes Center

School nurses who must provide care for students with diabetes can find information and resources specifically for them at the Joslin Diabetes Center website. The site provides information about the latest technology, planning guides, and educational resources to help nurses and the students that they care for get a better handle on their disease.

7. Healthy Schools Campaign

The Healthy Schools Campaign is a Chicago-based initiative that spans the country, working to ensure that all students and faculty have a healthy school environment.  Nurses can find tips and ideas, as well as information about national programs that can help them improve the overall health of their school and its students.

Soliant School Nurse Resources

Soliant has a variety of helpful resources for school nurses that can be explored here. Find practical guides and helpful career articles, such as:

·   Resume Templates & Tips for School Nurses

·   The Difference Between Elementary vs. High School Nurse Jobs

·   Guide to Becoming a School Nurse

Ready to take on a career as a school nurse? Explore job opportunities with Soliant today!

Speech-Language Pathologist: Job Description, Salary, & More

Speech is one of our most valuable abilities. Whether spoken or written, most of us rely on our ability to use words to communicate our thoughts and feelings, ask questions, and get essential information every day.

However, for many people, expressing themselves through speech can be challenging. Whether it’s due to a thinking difference such as autism spectrum disorder, a physical injury or disability involving the mouth and throat, or a life change such as learning a new language, many people can benefit from working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

Learn more about the role of speech-language pathologists below, including the SLP job description, salary, various roles, and more.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist, sometimes referred to as a speech therapist, is a professional who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders. These professionals work with individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who have difficulty with communication or swallowing due to various conditions such as developmental delays, brain injuries, stroke, hearing loss, or other neurological disorders.

Speech-Language Pathologist Job Description

Speech-language pathology is a diverse job field; therefore, the speech-language pathologist job description varies from role to role. For example, SLPs may work with people of all ages, ranging from small children to the elderly, or they may specialize in a specific demographic. They may work with people with cognitive disorders and disabilities or with patients who have had strokes or oral surgeries, and their job settings can range from schools and private practices to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or research labs.

Regardless of the specific role, all SLPs develop personalized treatment plans to help patients improve their communication, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. All speech-language pathologists have one shared goal: to help people express themselves, whether that means better control of the muscles of the mouth and throat or developing skills to put their feelings into words.

What are the Roles & Duties of a Speech and Language Therapist?

A speech-language pathologist’s role is simply to give their patients and students the best support they can in learning to express themselves, ask and answer questions, and be perceived the way they want to be perceived. Their job description may incorporate a wide range of duties and responsibilities aimed at diagnosing, treating, and preventing communication and swallowing disorders. These duties include:

• Evaluating students or patients. To come up with a plan to help their student or patient, a speech-language pathologist must first determine their speech capabilities and difficulties. Does the patient have trouble forming words? Do they have trouble finding words to express their feelings? Do they have difficulty noticing and understanding when people speak to them?
• Creating a plan of action. Once the speech-language pathologist knows where the patient’s strengths and weaknesses are, they will come up with a plan of action to achieve the patient’s goals. Like any lesson plan or treatment plan, this may involve planning out specific lessons, goals, and timelines.
• Use a variety of techniques and exercises. From strengthening the muscles of the mouth and throat to helping patients find the right words to express their feelings, speech-language pathologists must be familiar with a wide variety of techniques to help people learn to speak the way they want to speak.
• Keep records and report results. Many parties, from schools and parents to insurance companies, may need to be updated on the patient’s progress and their ongoing needs. Speech-language pathologists will have to be organized and have a good ability to meet deadlines to report the information these parties need to know.

How Much Do Speech-Language Pathologists Make?

As with all jobs, the salary of speech-language pathologists is influenced by the amount of experience the individual practitioner has, as well as the geographic area.

Areas with higher costs of living may have higher salaries – but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to put more into savings. It’s a good idea to consult an online cost-of-living calculator when deciding whether to move to accept a job with a higher salary. Speech-language pathologist salaries may also vary by the setting in which the practitioner works.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $84,140. Most speech-language pathologists make between $56,370 and $127,680 a year.

To help you get the highest salary possible in your speech-language pathologist job, take a look at these tips for salary negotiation.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists need a variety of skills and experience, including people skills, a degree in speech-language pathology, and hands-on training for those who want to work in schools. Read on to learn what skills and experience are necessary and how to get them!

SLP Skills

Like all jobs working with patients or students, a speech-language pathologist needs both knowledge of their subject area and people skills. In addition to their educational requirements, speech-language pathologists must have:

• Warmth. People who are struggling to speak may need reassurance and a safe, friendly presence to help them open up.
• Patience. People who struggle with speech or expression may become frustrated or discouraged, so it’s important for a speech-language pathologist to have a patient and reassuring presence.
• Educational and work experience. Becoming a speech-language pathologist who can be employed requires a master’s degree, and some professional experience gained under the supervision of a more senior speech-language pathologist.
• Professional accreditations. Organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) make sure that schools and programs are teaching people the skills they need to excel in this job. Make sure that any school you consider attending for speech-language pathology is CAA-accredited, and prepare yourself to pass the ASHA certification exam.

SLP Educational Requirements

Many schools, both online and in-person, offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech-language pathology. Remember to balance quality with affordability – you may not need a degree from one of the nation’s top 20 schools to get a job as a speech-language pathologist. However, you will want to make sure that your school is accredited by the CAA, as it may be possible for some colleges and universities to offer programs that are not accredited by this important organization.

The education requirements to become an SLP include:

1. A bachelor’s degree in a communication-related field such as Linguistics or Psychology, AND
2. A master’s degree in audiology or speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited school.
3. Completion of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience, followed by one year of a clinical fellowship. This requires 36 weeks of full-time clinical practice and hands-on experience.
4. To work in schools, a speech-language pathologist must pass the Praxis exam to obtain the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
5. Finally, a speech-language pathologist who wants to work in a school must have a teaching certificate, which qualifies them to teach in a school setting.

Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

In summary, speech-language pathologists are superheroes to people who struggle to communicate. Whether it’s because of an illness, injury, disability, or major life change, many people need the skills of a speech-language pathologist at some point in their lives.

The bar is high for professional excellence in this field, with people skills being required, as well as a master’s degree and professional certifications. But the rewards are rich.

Seeing a patient or student successfully communicate in a way that serves them best is priceless.Looking for your next speech-language pathology job? Soliant can help you find opportunities in your area. Start your search here. Interested in learning more about SLP careers? Explore additional resources by Soliant, such as resume templates and tips for SLPs.

Speech-Language Pathologist Resume

As a qualified and dedicated speech-language pathologist, you know it is a competitive field. Many individuals are capable and committed, just like you. So, how do you stand out from other SLP job seekers? Your resume. The resume is a critical tool in your job hunt and can truly make or break you in successfully landing a position. Here at Soliant, we help professionals like you find the job of their dreams, and we walk you through the process of crafting a powerful and dynamic resume. Read on to see key requirements and examples to make your resume eye-catching and stand out.

Speech-Language Pathologist Resume Outline

Well-crafted resumes can look diverse and unique, but they often contain similar features. An SLP will want to include the following essential components in their resume:

• Objective: You should have a clear and focused objective statement. Ideally, you’ll want to tailor it to the specific organization to which you are applying.
• Skills: This section of the resume is arguably the most important because you are promoting yourself – explaining why you are the ideal fit for the job. You can include a mix of soft skills (those general abilities that transfer across multiple industries) and SLP-specific skills that you specialize in, like pronunciation, muscle function, fluency, and more.e
• Work Experience: Starting with the most recent position or internships first, list your background chronologically. Be precise in your descriptions of what position you held and for how long, from your clinical first year to present experience.e
• Certifications: In this portion of the resume, list all of your pertinent certifications and credentials, like ASHA CCCs– the more specialized and advanced your certifications, the better.
• Education: Explain your educational background here. If you list your college degree here, add a bullet point detailing your major or emphasis. Did you obtain a Master’s degree or even a doctorate? List it here. Make sure to include any extracurriculars that have to do with speech-language pathology, if any.

SLP Resume Objective

The SLP resume objective statement is a short but imperative feature of your resume. As a speech-language pathologist, you possess a unique skill set that few others have, and your objective statement should reflect that. In a nutshell, you will want to describe yourself and your goal briefly, but with careful word choice. Use one or two adjectives to define yourself and two or three specific skills that would appeal to the employer. Some example objective statements that you can modify are:

• I am a motivated speech-language pathologist with significant expertise and a decade of in-depth experience, looking for a position to supercharge my career.
• I am an experienced and in-demand SLP with compassion, energy, and reliability, searching for the perfect match for my talents.
• I am a caring professional speech-language pathologist ready to incorporate my extensive knowledge and skillset into shaping individuals’ futures.

As you can see, there are several avenues to take when developing your objective statement, but all should be a way to sell yourself as a good fit for the organization.

SLP Skills

The skills section on the resume of a speech-language pathologist is vital, as this is your chance to brag and tell employers why you would be a match. Some of the skills successful SLPs share are:

• Communication: This ability should be at the top of your list, as you will need to communicate clearly with all stakeholders as an SLP.
• Compassion: Speech and communication disorders are frustrating, and the specialist needs to understand these individuals’ challenges.
• Patience: similar to compassion, SLPs need to have considerable patience. These services and activities take time to complete successfully.
• Critical Thinking: employers want to hire a specialist who can think outside the box, tailoring approaches to different individuals.
• Resourcefulness: No one knows everything. The ability to seek and find answers from trusted sources is an asset that many people respect. Knowing where to look for information and advice is a critical tool for SLPs to have.

SLP Certification

As you consider your academic and professional background, make sure that you are fully qualified to be an SLP where you live. Various states have different requirements as far as certification, but most demand a similar level of certification. Some of these requirements that you should have on your resume include:

• A Master’s Degree: This is a common requirement at a minimum.
• Licensure: While some states require you to be registered, many others require a license. Often, you’ll need a master’s degree, supervised clinical hours, and passing a national exam to get your license.
• CCC-SLP: The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology meets the licensure requirements, and some states require you to have it. It is similar to a license but also involves continuing education.
• Teaching Credential: For professionals searching for school-site SLP jobs, some states require specialized teaching credentials.
• Specialty Certifications: If you have obtained certification in areas such as swallowing, child language, or fluency, these can be significant boosts to your resume.
• Board-Certified Specialist: Those who undergo rigorous requirements and achieve board certification have a notable advantage.

Speech Language Pathology Resume Example

If you are a speech-language pathologist looking to put your new resume to use, then make sure to check out all of our current openings. Search for opportunities by location and apply directly through the Soliant SLP job page.

Looking for more SLP career resources? Explore helpful articles for SLPs at Soliant, such as salary negotiation tips.

Tips for Negotiating an SLP Salary

Speech-Language Pathologists have a significant and rewarding position, providing a higher quality of life to their patients or students. As specialists in communication, they offer therapy and treatment for many disorders and difficulties, including speech, communication, fluency, swallowing, and many more. An SLP may work with a wide range of ages, making a difference in the lives of babies through adults. Those who are just entering the field or who are looking for a new position as an SLP want to be sure that they are earning the money that their hard work is worth. Here are some tips that will help you negotiate a fair salary for your new position as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

What Influences an SLP Job Salary

Several factors come into play when an SLP job salary is decided. Each of these items should be taken into consideration as you go into salary negotiations.

Location – First, the area in which you will work sets the base salary range for any position. Areas with a high cost of living will naturally have a higher base starting salary than an area that has lower home values and retail economy.

Facility – The type of facility or organization that is hiring for the position has a direct impact on the salary being offered. For example, school-based therapists may make less than those who are in private practice.

Education and Training – The level of education completed, certifications held, and additional training is an important piece of the salary puzzle, as well. Those who have invested more in their career training can expect a higher salary and benefits package.

Experience – Previous experience in the field and related fields also plays a role in being able to negotiate a higher salary for those in the industry. Those who have already established themselves in their career are more likely to draw a higher salary.

Other Benefits to Consider During Negotiation

Pay scale isn’t the only thing to consider when going into salary negotiations. Leave, including paid vacation time, sick leave, and maternity or family leave, may be things that you want to discuss. Medical and dental insurance, as well as other health benefits,  may be necessary for you. You also might want to consider your work environment, how much control you have over your position, and whether a flexible schedule is a possibility.

Salary and Benefits Negotiation Tips and Tricks

Before you sit down at the negotiation table, here are a few tips and tricks that will help you to feel confident and advocate for the salary that you deserve.

• Do your homework ahead of time. Try to find out about the salary ranges previously offered for a specific position, as well as standard salaries for your area. Use this as a guide to set your negotiation point.
• Also, know a bit about the company and its values before your discussion. Be creative in tying your strengths and education back to their goals to help demonstrate your worth in the position.
• Have a counteroffer prepared that is in a range that is comfortable for you, but don’t haggle and nitpick. State your needs confidently and don’t undersell your education and experience.
• Be honest about your current salary, even if it is significantly lower than your asking salary. Explain why you feel you should be making a higher wage, again maintaining confidence in your skills.
• Turn on your best poker face, even when your negotiation is successful. Overexcitement can come across as desperation, and that can come across as worrisome to some hiring managers. Don’t leave them wondering if you’ve presented yourself truthfully or if you’ve oversold yourself for a higher salary and benefits.

Looking for more SLP career resources? Explore more helpful articles by Soliant, including resume outlines and career guides for SLPs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a TVI

Each day, teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) change lives in classrooms across the country by helping students who are blind or visually impaired learn, grow, and thrive in ways that work for them. These educators don’t just teach academic skills—they empower students to navigate the world with confidence and independence.

If you’re passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and supporting students who are blind or have low vision, a career as a TVI might be the perfect fit. In this guide, Soliant career experts break down exactly how to become a teacher of the visually impaired.

How to Become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired

It’s a role filled with purpose, patience, and so much impact. If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a clear step-by-step guide to becoming a TVI:

Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

The first step on the route to becoming a TVI is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a related field. This education will lay the groundwork for becoming a certified teacher and give you a strong foundation in teaching methods, child development, and classroom management.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can still pursue a TVI career through a master’s program or certification pathway.

Step 2: Complete a TVI Specialized Training Program

Next, you’ll need specialized training that focuses specifically on working with students who are blind or visually impaired. These programs are typically offered as graduate-level certificates or master’s degrees.

Some programs may even be tailored to your state’s certification process, so it’s a good idea to check your state’s requirements when considering where to complete your TVI program. For example, most states need you to pass a comprehensive exam to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness to support this unique student population, which could be integrated into some TVI preparation programs.

Step 3: Obtain Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certification

Once you complete your training, the next step is getting licensed. At a minimum, most states require:

1. A valid teaching license
2. A specialized certification that qualifies you to work specifically with students who are blind or have low vision

Most states require you to earn state-level certification to teach students in grades K–12. Depending on the state and the school or district hiring you, additional certifications may be required. We recommend visiting your state’s department of education website for the most up-to-date certification requirements.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

Like any teaching role, hands-on experience is a key part of becoming a successful TVI. Most programs also include a student teaching component where you’ll work directly with visually impaired students under the guidance of an experienced mentor. This gives you a chance to practice teaching, use assistive technology, adapt curriculum materials, and get comfortable with the collaborative nature of the role and school setting.

Step 5: Make it Official & Apply!

Once you’re certified and have some experience to show off on your resume, you’re ready to start applying! TVIs are in high demand across the country, especially in public schools, educational programs for students with visual impairments, and virtual learning settings. You can find roles where you may work as a remote TVI, assist one student throughout the school year, or travel between schools to support multiple students in different grades.

Start Your Journey to Become a TVI

As a TVI, you’re not just teaching academic skills. You’re giving students the tools to live more independently and confidently, discover their strengths, advocate for themselves, and believe in what’s possible.

The work of a TVI matters deeply. If you’re ready to take on the rewarding role, Soliant invites you to explore our variety of TVI openings in schools across the country today. Your future starts here!